Richard Lee Cochran of Monte Vista, Colorado, passed away on November 21, 2013. He was born in Del Norte, Colorado on January 18, 1930, one of three sons of Earl Fairbanks Cochran and Bethel (Frye) Cochran.
Dick had a zest for life and grew up with an appreciation for the outdoors, ranching, and sports. At 18 years of age he ran an outfitting business in Cottonwood Grove, near Creede, Colorado. The following year he was awarded a football scholarship at Fort Lewis College in Durango where he played for 2 years, later receiving a scholarship to Colorado A&M (CSU ) where he lettered in football and received a degree in physical education.
In 1952 Dick married Patricia Harmon of Gunnison, CO, having three children: Mark Lee, Sharon Kay, and Michael Brent, ranching at Shaffer’s Crossing, Colorado and teaching at Platte Canyon High School for 30 years. In those 30 years Platte Canyon School grew from being small and rural to large and suburban with Dick performing duties ranging from janitor to administrator, teaching both junior and senior high students focusing mainly on the sciences. He coached many sports and was voted teacher of the year numerous times.
In 1980 Dick married Dorothy Pasha and a few years later they purchased a ranch in Monte Vista where they lived up to the present raising cattle, hay, and enjoying their horses. Dick was an avid fisherman, hunter, and all around outdoorsman. In later years particularly enjoyed his grandchildren, taking special pride in their sports and activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Bethel Cochran. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Cochran of Monte Vista, CO; his stepdaughters Jo Lynn (Kevin) Perry, Diana (Andy) Reavis, and Lisa (Jim) Lorenzhis; his older brother Bob Cochran (Tootie) of Everett Washington, and younger brother Jim (Jaci) of Powderhorn, Colorado. Also surviving is his former wife Patricia Cochran of Sterling, CO; children: Mark Cochran of Sterling, CO; Sherry Haugen of Center, CO; and Mike (Glenda) Cochran of Goodland KS; and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren: Cash Cochran(Jessie) and Hayden Cochran of Fleming; Weston (Alicia)Cochran of Ft Morgan, CO; Jessie Haugen, Center, CO; Shane(Brena) and Corbyn Haugen, of Woodland Park, CO; Hope Cochran of Goodland, KS; Aleks Reavis, Ft Collins, CO; Bailey Reavis, Boulder, CO; Cierra Lorenz, Ft Collins, CO; and Sawyer Lorenz, Steamboat Springs, CO.
Services are scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2013, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Monte Vista, Colorado at 10 AM. Any memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice in Dick’s name.